Marion Chronicle Tribune - Thompson Pushes Her Plan for State Economy
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson listens to local democrats Wednesday afternoon before a lunchoen at The Icehouse in Marion.
Gubernatorial candidate stops at Marion restaurant
Maribeth Holtz
Ways to improve Indiana's economy were highlighted Wednesday by Jill Long Thompson in a campaign stop in Marion.
Long Thompson, the Democratic candidate for governor, said voters are paying close attention this year to change.
"Indiana is losing jobs faster than all the neighboring states," she told a group of mostly Democrats. "That's unacceptable."
She spoke at The Icehouse, 1412 S. Kem Road, after stops in Columbia City and Huntington.
Her economic plan could help Grant County, she said, because it would provide higher credits for new jobs in distressed counties. She said her plan would help keep businesses in Indiana and also invite new businesses in.
"I believe that manufacturing has a lot of potential in Indiana, and I think we need to expand our manufacturing base," she said.
Long Thompson also said she wants to re-examine all privatized contracts the state has entered into, work to establish minimum guaranteed funding for schools and work with Congress to reform the No Child Left Behind Act.
Those attending Wednesday included Democratic candidates running for local office, such as Mary Etta Ruley, candidate for U.S. Representative District 5, and Joe Pearson, candidate for House District 31, as well as candidates from neighboring counties.
Democratic mayors Larry Leach and Jay Akers also attended the event.
Leach said Long Thompson's economic plan will help Grant County specifically, instead of what he said has been a lot of jobs landed in the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne areas recently.
"I think her ear will be tuned into the Gas Cities and the Jonesboros and the Grant Counties," said Leach, mayor of Gas City.
Jonesboro Mayor Akers agreed, adding that he expects more high-paying jobs locally with Long-Thompson's plan.
"I actually can see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said.